Before we start, let’s understand what alcohol license in Dubai means…

What is the alcohol license?

An alcohol license, or a liquor license, is application forms that are available in UAE liquor stores. Furthermore, having a license means that you can consume alcohol legally at home. So Dubai alcohol license permits its license holder, and that person only, to drink, store, transport or even possess alcohol. With that said, it means that even to have alcohol in your own home, you need a license.

Can you drink alcohol in Dubai?

The answer is yes, you can!

But here’s the kicker:

Although Dubai is in an Arab Muslim country, it’s very modern and open for expats & tourists. You can consume Alcohol in bars, clubs, or hotels. Yet, if you want to buy, consume, or store alcohol at home, you’d need a personal alcohol license in Dubai.

Then why do I need a license?

As a matter of fact, Dubai authorities are aware that drinking alcohol is popular among a huge number of expatriates who are especially non-Muslims, and for that reason, the UAE sets rules for purchasing and drinking alcohol.

And what if you’re just a tourist in Dubai?

Dubai drinking laws for tourists

Clubs & Hotels Emirates -except Sharjah- are actually allowed to serve alcoholic drinks in their bars and restaurants. However, Independent restaurants do not serve alcohol.

Now I don’t want to intimidate you but, Many of UAE residents don’t get the necessity for an alcohol license, and what the consequences could be. Failing to present a license could lead to prosecution and penalties including fines and even the loss of your visa in the country.

Generally speaking…

If you do not have alcohol licenses and you consume alcohol outside of locations such as hotels or bars, you are threatened with criminal offenses and the possibility of being expelled from the country.

Moreover, It is an offense to buy alcohol from an off-license without a liquor license.

What is the drinking age in Dubai?

The legal drinking age in Dubai is 21.

But that’s not all…

In order to get an alcohol license in Dubai, you’ll need to be:

Non-muslim

Living in Dubai (Resident/Expat)

Earning a minimum of AED 3,000 monthly

And sure over 21 like mentioned above

This is all just in Dubai and as per Dubai’s law.

Note that the liquor licenses are Emirate specific. This means a liquor license issued for Dubai only allows you to drink in Dubai. Each Emirate requires a separate alcohol license.

With one big exception:

Drinking alcohol in Sharjah is illegal.

How to apply for an alcohol license in Dubai?

You can either apply online or through any MMI or African + Eastern store:

Fill the application form that you get from any MMI or African + Eastern liquor store. Fill the form and get it stamped by your employer (Your visa provider)

Attach the required documents

Visit any MMI or A+E alcohol store to submit your application form and required documents

What are the documents required for alcohol license Dubai?

For a new alcohol license you’d need:

A Copy of your passport with your visa stamped

A copy of your labor contract

Passport photos

Tenancy contract: It could be a tenancy contract if the rent is registered by your name or a no objection letter (NOC) from the contract holder

If you have your liquor license, then you probably know that it would be valid for one year you’ll need to renew it, here’s how:

How to renew alcohol license in Dubai

Copy Passport and Residence Visa.

Copy of Tenancy Contract. (Same methods above apply if you don’t have a tenancy contract)

Expired Liquor Licence.

Copy of Labor Contract from your sponsor. It’s only required if you have changed employment. (Same methods above apply if you don’t have a labor contract)

More things worth noting for some cases of acquiring Dubai alcohol license:

For family members, everyone who is over the age of 21 should apply for a license. If you have a spouse on your sponsorship, they can apply for a license with a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from you, however, family members on a student visa cannot apply.

Also, for single female Dubai residents. They can apply for a license, however, married women have to also get a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their husband (The husband doesn’t have to have a liquor license to provide the NOC).

If your visa is stamped in an Emirate other than Dubai, a No Objection Certificate is required from that emirate’s police headquarters (e.g. in Abu Dhabi, it’s the Ministry of Tourism that provides the NOC).

Where to buy alcohol in Dubai?

You can’t purchase alcohol in supermarkets, but after receiving your license, you can visit African + Eastern or MMI stores in Dubai.

Last but not least, and since we’re talking about consuming alcohol, it’s good to remind you about a few points.

Public drunken behavior is an offense and the consequences for those who do not possess a liquor license can be far more severe.

Driving a car under the influence of alcohol could get you immediately in jail followed by deportation. It could also cost you a fine of AED 20,000 and 24 black points to your driving license, which means 3 months to stop driving in the UAE. Furthermore, this type of accident does not cover the insurance, it means that if you make property damage or health. You will not leave jail until the amount is paid to the bereaved family or owner in full.

One more thing worth noting is that, while alcohol can be purchased in some other emirates such as Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah is a “dry” emirate, which means that it’s illegal to make the trip through it from Ras Al Khaimah or Ajman to Dubai with alcohol.

Frequently asked questions about alcohol in Dubai

Which authority is responsible for liquor licensing in Dubai?

Liquor licenses in Dubai are issued by the Dubai Police General Headquarter (‘DPGH’).

Is it fine to drink alcohol in public places in Dubai, when I have a license?

No! It is illegal to drink in the street or in a public space. Only in venues serving alcohol.

Can you bring alcohol to Dubai?

Yes, you can bring up to 4 liters of alcohol or 48 cans of beer (where each does not exceed 355 ml)

What is the punishment for drinking alcohol in Dubai without an alcohol license?

If someone was caught drunk or drinking without having an alcohol permit; Punishment is imprisonment for a period of six months or a fine of AED 5,000 or both.

Do they serve alcohol in Dubai Mall?

No! there’s no restaurant in any mall in Dubai that serves alcohol. You can drink only in hotels or bars or special venues that serve alcohol.

Can I carry liquor in checked baggage from Dubai?

Yes, you can. You can carry liquor in your checked baggage and in case you are entering Dubai, the amount cannot exceed 4 liters of alcohol or 48 cans of beer (where each does not exceed 355 ml).

Can I get an alcohol license in Dubai for Muslim?

No. A Muslim will not be granted an alcohol license in Dubai.

Eventually, we’d like to hear from you:

What do you think of this guide?

Or maybe you have a question or a suggestion about alcohol licenses in Dubai.